Bogus Council Workers |
15 Jul 2005 |
Residents of South Tyneside are being asked to be on
their guard against bogus callers claiming to be from
the Council and charging for gardening work.
A gang claiming to work for South Tyneside Council
have called at two houses in West Boldon and Marsden
this week and charged the elderly residents £100
for grass cutting and hedge trimming. The pensioners
have paid up, but the work has either not been completed,
or not started at all.
The only information available about the perpetrators
is that they are driving a blue/green boxed van.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood
Services, said: "Every Council employee carries
a photo identity card, wears uniforms with the Council
name on and, of course, does not charge for the work.
"I would warn people to be on their guard as the
amount these people are charging is very high when the
Council will undertake the same job free of charge."
If anyone has been approached by the gang, please call
the police or Trading Standards on 424 7898. Alternatively,
if residents want to report any gardening issues, then
please the local housing office.
This warning has also been sent by text message to
those residents who have signed up to the Trading Standards
text message alert scheme.
Councillor Clare urged more people to sign up for the
scheme. "If you are an elderly resident of South
Tyneside, or a carer of an elderly or vulnerable individual,
text the word 'doorstep' to 07786 200 802," he
said. "Text messages alerting you to scams or rogue
traders in the borough will then be notified directly
to your phone."
South Tyneside residents who do not own, or have access
to, a mobile phone can still report their concerns about
environmental issues by calling the Council's contact
centre, on 427 7000 from Monday to Friday between 8am
and 8pm and between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.
Alternatively, they can use the e-services section
of the Council website at www.southtyneside.info or
by e-mail to: customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk
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